Biosynthesis of 1,3-butanediol

ABSTRACT

This document describes biochemical pathways for producing 1,3-butanediol using a polypetide having β-ketothiolase activity to form a 3-oxo-5-hydroxypentanoyl-CoA intermediate that can be enzymatically converted to 1,3-butanediol, as well as recombinant hosts producing 1,3-butanediol.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention provides o methods for biosynthesizing 3-oxo-5-hydroxypentanoyl-CoA using a polypeptide having β-ketothiolase activity, and enzymatically converting 3-oxo-5-hydroxypentanoyl-CoA to 1,3-butanediol (1,3-BDO; also known as 1,3-butylene glycol) using one or more polypeptide having CoA transferase, thioesterase, decarboxylase, or secondary alcohol dehydrogenase activity, or recombinant host cells expressing one or more of such enzymes.

BACKGROUND

1,3-BDO is used for a wide variety of purposes, serving as a starter unit for the production of various compounds such as fragrances, pheromones, insecticides, penems and carbapenems. 1,3-BDO typically may be chemically produced by (1) hydrogenation of 4-hydroxy-2-butanone using ruthenium complexes of phosphine-aminophosphine and (2) from threonine by nitrous deamination in the presence of bromide ion followed by esterification and reduction. However, the methods typically are energy intensive, involve multiple steps, consume large amounts of solvent and/or produce large amounts of by-products, thus limiting large-scale production. In particular, these methods are not economical for the large-scale production of 1,3-butadiene via catalytic dehydration of 1,3-BDO. Accordingly, it is clear that there is a need for sustainable and efficient methods for producing 1,3-BDO.

SUMMARY

This document is based at least in part on the discovery that it is possible to construct biochemical pathways for using, inter alia, a β-ketothiolase to produce 3-oxo-5-hydroxypentanoyl-CoA, which can be converted in one or more enzymatic steps to 1,3-BDO using, for example, a CoA transferase or a thioesterase, a decarboxylase, and/or a secondary alcohol dehydrogenase.

In one aspect, this document features a method of producing 3-oxo-5-hydroxypentanoyl-CoA. The method includes enzymatically converting 3-hydroxypropionyl-CoA to 3-oxo-5-hydroxypentanoyl-CoA using a β-ketothiolase classified under EC. 2.3.1.- (e.g., EC 2.3.1.16 or EC 2.3.1.174). The β-ketothiolase can have at least 70% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 1 or 2. The method further can include enzymatically converting 3-oxo-5-hydroxypentanoyl-CoA to 1,3-butanediol using a thioesterase or a CoA transferase, a decarboxylase, and a secondary alcohol dehydrogenase. The thioesterase can be classified under EC 3.1.2.-. For example, the thioesterase can have at least 70% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 3. The CoA transferase can be classified under EC 2.8.3.-. For example, the CoA transferase can have at least 70% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 5, 6, or 12. The decarboxylase can be classified under EC 4.1.1.4. For example, the decarboxylase can have at least 70% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 8 or 10. The secondary alcohol dehydrogenase can be classified under EC 1.1.1.B3, EC 1.1.1.B4, or EC 1.1.1.80. The secondary alcohol dehydrogenase can have at least 70% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:4, 9, or 11.

This document also features a method for biosynthesizing 1,3-butanediol. The method includes enzymatically synthesizing 3-oxo-5-hydroxypentanoyl-CoA from 3-hydroxypropionyl-CoA using a β-ketothiolase classified under EC. 2.3.1.- and enzymatically converting 3-oxo-5-hydroxypentanoyl-CoA to 1,3-butanediol. The β-ketothiolase can have at least 70% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs:1 or 2. The 3-oxo-5-hydroxypentanoyl-CoA can be converted to 3-oxo-5-hydroxypentanoate using a CoA transferase or a thioesterase, 3-oxo-5-hydroxypentanoate can be converted to 4-hydroxybutan-2-one using a decarboxylase, and 4-hydroxybutan-2-one can be converted to 1,3-butanediol using a secondary alcohol dehydrogenase. The thioesterase can have at least 70% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 3. The secondary alcohol dehydrogenase can have at least 70% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:4, 9, or 11. The decarboxylase can have at least 70% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 8 or 10. The CoA transferase can have at least 70% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 5 or 6.

In any of the methods, 3-hydroxypropionyl-CoA can be enzymatically produced from malonyl-CoA. For example, 3-hydroxypropionyl-CoA can be enzymatically produced from malonyl-CoA using one or more of a malonyl-CoA reductase, a 3-hydroxypropionate dehydrogenase, a CoA transferase, and a 3-hydroxypropionyl-CoA synthase.

Any of the methods can be performed in a recombinant host. In some embodiments, the host is retained using a ceramic membrane. In some embodiments, the cultivation strategy entails achieving anaerobic, micro-aerobic, or aerobic cultivation conditions. In some embodiments, the cultivation strategy includes limiting nutrients, such as limiting nitrogen, phosphate or oxygen.

In any of the methods, the principal carbon source fed to the fermentation can derive from a biological feedstock. For example, the biological feedstock can be or can derive from, monosaccharides, disaccharides, lignocellulose, hemicellulose, cellulose, lignin, levulinic acid and formic acid, triglycerides, glycerol, fatty acids, agricultural waste, condensed distillers' solubles, or municipal waste.

In any of the methods, the principal carbon source fed to the fermentation can derive from a non-biological feedstock. For example, the non-biological feedstock can be or can derive from natural gas, syngas, CO₂/H₂, methanol, ethanol, benzoate, non-volatile residue (NVR) or a caustic wash waste stream from cyclohexane oxidation processes, or terephthalic acid/isophthalic acid mixture waste streams.

In some embodiments, the host microorganism's tolerance to high concentrations of 1,3-BDO is improved through continuous cultivation in a selective environment.

This document also features a recombinant host that includes at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding (i) a β-ketothiolase, (ii) a secondary alcohol dehydrogenase and one or more of (iii) a decarboxylase, and (iv) a thioesterase or a CoA transferase, the host producing 1,3-butanediol. The host further can include one or more of the following exogenous enzymes: (v) a malonyl-CoA reductase, (vi) a 3-hydroxypropionate dehydrogenase, and (vii) a propionate CoA-transferase or a 3-hydroxypropionyl-CoA synthase. The β-ketothiolase can have at least 70% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 1 or 2. The secondary alcohol dehydrogenase can have at least 70% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:4, 9, or 11. The decarboxylase can have at least 70% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 8 or 10. The thioesterase can have at least 70% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 3. The CoA transferase can have at least 70% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 5, 6, 7 or 12.

In some embodiments, the host microorganism's biochemical network is attenuated or augmented to (1) ensure the intracellular availability of malonyl-CoA or acetyl-CoA, (2) create an NADH or NADPH imbalance that may only be balanced via the formation of one or more building blocks leading to 1,3-BDO production, (3) prevent degradation of central metabolites, central precursors leading to 1,3-BDO production and (4) ensure efficient efflux from the cell.

Any of the recombinant hosts can be a prokaryote such as a prokaryote from a genus selected from the group consisting of Escherichia; Clostridia; Corynebacteria; Cupriavidus; Pseudomonas; Delftia; Bacilluss; Lactobacillus; Lactococcus; and Rhodococcus. For example, the prokaryote can be selected from the group consisting of Escherichia coli, Clostridium ljungdahlii, Clostridium autoethanogenum, Clostridium kluyveri, Corynebacterium glutamicum, Cupriavidus necator, Cupriavidus metallidurans. Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pseudomonas putida, Pseudomonas oleavorans, Delftia acidovorans, Bacillus subtillis, Lactobacillus delbrueckii, Lactococcus lactis, and Rhodococcus equi. Such prokaryotes also can be sources of genes for constructing recombinant host cells described herein that are capable of producing 1,3-BDO.

Any of the recombinant hosts can be a eukaryote such as a eukaryote from a genus selected from the group consisting of Aspergillus, Saccharoinmyces, Pichia, Yarrowia, Issatchenkia, Debaryomyces, Arxula, and Kluyveromyces. For example, the eukaryote can be selected from the group consisting of Aspergillus niger, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Pichia pastoris, Yarrowia lipolytica, Issathenkia orientalis, Debaryomyces hansenii, Arxula adenoinivorans, and Kluyveromyces lactis. Such eukaryotes also can be sources of genes for constructing recombinant host cells described herein that are capable of producing 1,3-BDO.

Any of the recombinant hosts described herein further can include attenuations to one or more of the following enzymes: apolyhydroxyalkanoate synthase, an acetyl-CoA thioesterase, a phosphotransacetylaseforming acetate, an acetate kinase, a lactate dehydrogenase, a menaquinol-fumarate oxidoreductase, an alcohol dehydrogenase forming ethanol, a triose phosphate isomerase, apyruvate decarboxylase, a glucose-6-phosphate isomerase, NAD(P)H-consuming transhydrogenase, an NAD(P)H-specific glutamate dehydrogenase, or a NAD(P)H-utilizing glutamate.

Any of the recombinant hosts described herein further can overexpress one or more genes encoding: an acetyl-CoA synthetase, a 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase; a transketolase; a puridine nucleotide transhydrogenase; a glyceraldehyde-3P-dehydrogenase; a malic enzyme; a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase; a glucose dehydrogenase; a fructose 1,6 diphosphatase; a L-alanine dehydrogenase; a L-glutamate dehydrogenase; a formate dehydrogenase; and/or a L-glutamine synthetase.

Many of the enzymes described herein catalyze reversible reactions, and the reaction of interest may be the reverse of the described reaction. The schematic pathways shown in FIG. 1 illustrate the reaction of interest for each of the intermediates.

In one aspect, this document features a method for producing a bioderived four carbon compound. The method for producing a bioderived four carbon compound can include culturing or growing a recombinant host as described herein under conditions and for a sufficient period of time to produce the bioderived four carbon compound, wherein, optionally, the bioderived four carbon compound is 1,3-butanediol.

In one aspect, this document features composition comprising a bioderived four carbon compound as described herein and a compound other than the bioderived four carbon compound, wherein the bioderived four carbon compound is 1,3-butanediol. For example, the bioderived four carbon compound is a cellular portion of a host cell or an organism.

This document also features a biobased polymer comprising the bioderived 1,3-butanediol.

This document also features a biobased resin comprising the bioderived 1,3-butanediol, as well as a molded product obtained by molding a biobased resin.

In another aspect, this document features a process for producing a biobased polymer that includes chemically reacting the bioderived 1,3-butanediol, with itself or another compound in a polymer producing reaction.

In another aspect, this document features a process for producing a biobased resin that includes chemically reacting the bioderived 1,3-butanediol, with itself or another compound in a resin producing reaction.

Also, described herein is a biochemical network comprising a polypeptide having β-ketothiolase activity, wherein the polypeptide having β-ketothiolase activity enzymatically converts 3-hydroxypropionyl-CoA to 3-oxo-5-hydroxypentanoyl-CoA.

The biochemical network can further include a polypeptide having thioesterase activity or a polypeptide having CoA transferase activity, a polypeptide having decarboxylase activity, and a polypeptide having secondary alcohol dehydrogenase activity. In one aspect, the biochemical network is a non-naturally occurring biochemical network comprising at least one substrate of FIG. 1, at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide having the activity of at least one enzyme of FIG. 1 and at least one product of FIG. 1. In another aspect of the invention, the biochemical network is a non-naturally occurring biochemical network comprising a 3-hydroxypropionyl-CoA, an exogenous nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide having the activity of a P3-ketothiolase classified under EC. 2.3.1 and a 3-hydroxypropionyl-CoA.

In one aspect of the invention, described is a step for forming at least one compound of FIG. 1. In one aspect of the invention, described is a means for forming at least one compound of FIG. 1.

In some aspects, the disclosure provides nucleic acid constructs and/or expression vectors comprising a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having β-ketothiolase activity, wherein the polynucleotide is operably linked to one or more heterologous control sequences that direct production of the polypeptide and wherein the polypeptide having β-ketothiolase activity is selected from the group consisting of: (a) a polypeptide having at least 70% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NOs: 1 or 2; a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having thioesterase activity, wherein the polynucleotide is operably linked to one or more heterologous control sequences that direct production of the polypeptide and wherein the polypeptide having thioesterase activity is selected from the group consisting of: (a) a polypeptide having at least 70% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NOs: 3 or 14; a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having CoA transferase activity, wherein the polynucleotide is operably linked to one or more heterologous control sequences that direct production of the polypeptide and wherein the polypeptide having CoA transferase activity is selected from the group consisting of: (a) a polypeptide having at least 70% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NOs: 5, 6, 7, 12 or 13; a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having decarboxylase activity, wherein the polynucleotide is operably linked to one or more heterologous control sequences that direct production of the polypeptide and wherein the polypeptide having decarboxylase activity is selected from the group consisting of: (a) a polypeptide having at least 70% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NOs: 8 or 10; or a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide having secondary alcohol dehydrogenase, wherein the polynucleotide is operably linked to one or more heterologous control sequences that direct production of the polypeptide and wherein the polypeptide having secondary alcohol dehydrogenase activity is selected from the group consisting of: (a) a polypeptide having at least 70% sequence identity to the polypeptide of SEQ ID NOs: 4, 9 or 11. The disclosure further provides compositions comprising the nucleic acid construct or expression vector as described above.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used to practice the invention, suitable methods and materials are described below. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, the materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. The word “comprising” in the claims may be replaced by “consisting essentially of” or with “consisting of,” according to standard practice in patent law.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic of an exemplary biochemical pathway leading to 1,3-BDO using malonyl-CoA as a central metabolite.

FIG. 2 contains the amino acid sequences of a Cupriavidus necator β-ketothiolase encoded by bktB (see GenBank Accession No. AAC38322.1, SEQ ID NO: 1), an Escherichia coli β-ketothiolase encoded bypaaJ (see GenBank Accession No. AAC74479.1, SEQ ID NO: 2), an Escherichia coli thioesterase encoded by tesB (see GenBank Accession No. AAA24665.1, SEQ ID NO: 3), a Micrococcus luteus alcohol dehydrogenase (see GenBank Accession No. ADD83022.1, SEQ ID NO: 4); a Escherichia coli CoA-transferase encoded by atoAD (see Genbank Accession Nos. AAC75282.1 & AAC75281.1, SEQ ID NO: 5), a Pseudomonas putida CoA-transferase encoded by pcaIJ (see Genbank Accession Nos. ACA73091.1 & ACA73090.1, SEQ ID NO: 6), a Clostridium propionicum CoA-transferase encoded byydiF (see Genbank Accession No. CAB77207.1, SEQ ID NO: 7), a Chromobacterium violaceum acetoacetate decarboxylase (see Genbank Accession No. AAQ61181.1, SEQ ID NO: 8), a Lactobacillus brevis alcohol dehydrogenase (see Genbank Accession No. CAD66648.1, SEQ ID NO: 9), a Clostridium acetobutylicum acetoacetate decarboxylase (Genbank Accession No. AAA63761.1, SEQ ID NO: 10), a Clostridium beijerinckii secondary alcohol dehydrogenase (see Genbank Accession No. AAA23199.2, SEQ ID NO: 11), a Cupriavidus necator CoA-transferase encoded by pet (see Genbank Accession No. CAJ93797.1, SEQ ID NO: 12), a Clostridium aminobutyricum CoA-transferase encoded by abJT (see Genbank Accession No. CAB60036.2, SEQ ID NO: 13) and an Escherichia coli thioesterase encoded by YciA (see Genbank Accession No. AAB60068.1, SEQ ID NO: 14).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, this document provides enzymes, non-natural pathways, cultivation strategies, feedstocks, host microorganisms and attenuations to the host's biochemical network, for producing 3-oxo-5-hydroxypentanoyl-CoA, which can be converted in one or more enzymatic steps to 1,3-BDO. As used herein, the term “central precursor” is used to denote any metabolite in any metabolic pathway shown herein leading to the synthesis of 1,3-BDO. The term “central metabolite” is used herein to denote a metabolite that is produced in all microorganisms to support growth.

Host microorganisms described herein can include endogenous pathways that can be manipulated such that 1,3-BDO can be produced. In an endogenous pathway, the host microorganism naturally expresses all of the enzymes catalyzing the reactions within the pathway. A host microorganism containing an engineered pathway does not naturally express all of the enzymes catalyzing the reactions within the pathway but has been engineered such that all of the enzymes within the pathway are expressed in the host.

The term “exogenous” as used herein with reference to a nucleic acid (or a protein) and a host refers to a nucleic acid that does not occur in (and cannot be obtained from) a cell of that particular type as it is found in nature or a protein encoded by such a nucleic acid. Thus, a non-naturally-occurring nucleic acid is considered to be exogenous to a host once in the host. It is important to note that non-naturally-occurring nucleic acids can contain nucleic acid subsequences or fragments of nucleic acid sequences that are found in nature provided the nucleic acid as a whole does not exist in nature. For example, a nucleic acid molecule containing a genomic DNA sequence within an expression vector is non-naturally-occurring nucleic acid, and thus is exogenous to a host cell once introduced into the host, since that nucleic acid molecule as a whole (genomic DNA plus vector DNA) does not exist in nature. Thus, any vector, autonomously replicating plasmid, or virus (e.g., retrovirus, adenovirus, or herpes virus) that as a whole does not exist in nature is considered to be non-naturally-occurring nucleic acid. It follows that genomic DNA fragments produced by PCR or restriction endonuclease treatment as well as cDNAs are considered to be non-naturally-occurring nucleic acid since they exist as separate molecules not found in nature. It also follows that any nucleic acid containing a promoter sequence and polypeptide-encoding sequence (e.g., cDNA or genomic DNA) in an arrangement not found in nature is non-naturally-occurring nucleic acid. A nucleic acid that is naturally-occurring can be exogenous to a particular host microorganism. For example, an entire chromosome isolated from a cell of yeast x is an exogenous nucleic acid with respect to a cell of yeast y once that chromosome is introduced into a cell of yeast y.

In contrast, the term “endogenous” as used herein with reference to a nucleic acid (e.g., a gene) (or a protein) and a host refers to a nucleic acid (or protein) that does occur in (and can be obtained from) that particular host as it is found in nature. Moreover, a cell “endogenously expressing” a nucleic acid (or protein) expresses that nucleic acid (or protein) as does a host of the same particular type as it is found in nature. Moreover, a host “endogenously producing” or that “endogenously produces” a nucleic acid, protein, or other compound produces that nucleic acid, protein, or compound as does a host of the same particular type as it is found in nature.

For example, depending on the host and the compounds produced by the host, one or more of the following enzymes may be expressed in addition to a β-ketothiolase: a secondary alcohol dehydrogenase, a thioesterase, a CoA transferase, a decarboxylase, a malonyl-CoA reductase, a 3-hydroxypropionate dehydrogenase, or a 3-hydroxypropionyl-CoA synthase.

For example, a recombinant host can include an exogenous β-ketothiolase and produce 3-oxo-5-hydroxypentanoyl-CoA, which can be converted to 1,3-BDO.

For example, a recombinant host can include an exogenous β-ketothiolase, an exogenous thioesterase or an exogenous CoA transferase, an exogenous decarboxylase, and an exogenous secondary alcohol dehydrogenase, and produce 1,3-BDO. For example, a recombinant host can include an exogenous β-ketothiolase, an exogenous thioesterase, an exogenous decarboxylase, and an exogenous secondary alcohol dehydrogenase, and produce 1,3-BDO. For example, a recombinant host can include an exogenous β-ketothiolase, an exogenous CoA transferase, an exogenous decarboxylase, and an exogenous secondary alcohol dehydrogenase, and produce 1,3-BDO. Any of such hosts further can include one or more of a malonyl-CoA reductase, a 3-hydroxypropionate dehydrogenase, and a 3-hydroxypropionyl-CoA synthase (e.g., each of the malonyl-CoA reductase, the 3-hydroxypropionate dehydrogenase, and the 3-hydroxypropionyl-CoA synthase).

Within an engineered pathway, the enzymes can be from a single source, i.e., from one species or genera, or can be from multiple sources, i.e., different species or genera. Nucleic acids encoding the enzymes described herein have been identified from various organisms and are readily available in publicly available databases such as GenBank or EMBL.

As used herein, references to a particular enzyme (e.g. β-ketothiolase) means a polypeptide having the activity of the particular enzyme (e.g. a polypeptide having β-ketothiolase activity).

Any of the enzymes described herein that can be used for production of 1,3-BDO can have at least 70% sequence identity (homology) (e.g., at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%) to the amino acid sequence of the corresponding wild-type enzyme. It will be appreciated that the sequence identity can be determined on the basis of the mature enzyme (e.g., with any signal sequence removed) or on the basis of the immature enzyme (e.g., with any signal sequence included). It also will be appreciated that the initial methionine residue may or may not be present on any of the enzyme sequences described herein.

For example, a β-ketothiolase described herein can have at least 70% sequence identity (homology) (e.g., at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%) to the amino acid sequence of a Cupriavidus necator (see GenBank Accession No. AAC38322.1, SEQ ID NO: 1) or an Escherichia coli (see GenBank Accession No. AAC74479.1, SEQ ID NO: 2) β-ketothiolase. See FIG. 2.

For example, a thioesterase described herein can have at least 70% sequence identity (homology) (e.g., at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%) to the amino acid sequence of an Escherichia coli thioesterase encoded by tesB (see GenBank Accession No. AAA24665.1, SEQ ID NO: 3) or YciA (see Genbank Accession No. AAB60068.1, SEQ ID NO: 14). See, FIG. 2.

For example, an alcohol dehydrogenase described herein can have at least 70% sequence identity (homology) (e.g., at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%) to the amino acid sequence of a Micrococcus luteus secondary alcohol dehydrogenase (Genbank Accession No. ADD83022.1; SEQ ID NO: 4), a Lactobacillus brevis alcohol dehydrogenase (see Genbank Accession No. CAD66648.1, SEQ ID NO: 9) or a Clostridium beijerinckii secondary alcohol dehydrogenase (see Genbank Accession No. AAA23199.2, SEQ ID NO: 11). See, FIG. 2.

For example, an acetoacetate decarboxylase described herein can have at least 70% sequence identity (homology) (e.g., at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%) to the amino acid sequence of a Chromobacterium violaceum acetoacetate decarboxylase (see Genbank Accession No. AAQ61181.1, SEQ ID NO: 8) or a Clostridium acetobutylicum acetoacetate decarboxylase (Genbank Accession No. AAA63761.1, SEQ ID NO: 10). See, FIG. 2.

For example, a CoA-transferase described herein can have at least 70% sequence identity (homology) (e.g., at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%) to the amino acid sequence of an Escherichia coli CoA-transferase encoded by atoAD (see Genbank Accession No. AAC75282.1 & AAC75281.1, SEQ ID NO: 5), a Pseudomonas putida CoA-transferase encoded by pcaIJ (see Genbank Accession No. ACA73091.1 & ACA73090.1, SEQ ID NO: 6), a Clostridium propionicum CoA-transferase encoded by ydiF (see Genbank Accession No. CAB77207.1, SEQ ID NO: 7), a Cupriavidus necator CoA-transferase encoded bypct (see Genbank Accession No. CAJ93797.1, SEQ ID NO: 12) a Clostridium aminobutyricum CoA-transferase encoded by abfT (see Genbank Accession No. CAB60036.2, SEQ ID NO: 13).

The percent identity (homology) between two amino acid sequences can be determined as follows. First, the amino acid sequences are aligned using the BLAST 2 Sequences (Bl2seq) program from the stand-alone version of BLASTZ containing BLASTP version 2.0.14. This stand-alone version of BLASTZ can be obtained from Fish & Richardson's web site (e.g., www.fr.com/blast/) or the U.S. government's National Center for Biotechnology Information web site (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). Instructions explaining how to use the Bl2seq program can be found in the readme file accompanying BLASTZ. Bl2seq performs a comparison between two amino acid sequences using the BLASTP algorithm. To compare two amino acid sequences, the options of Bl2seq are set as follows: -i is set to a file containing the first amino acid sequence to be compared (e.g., C:\seq1.txt); -j is set to a file containing the second amino acid sequence to be compared (e.g., C:\seq2.txt); -p is set to blastp; -o is set to any desired file name (e.g., C:\output.txt); and all other options are left at their default setting. For example, the following command can be used to generate an output file containing a comparison between two amino acid sequences: C:\Bl2seq -i c:\seq1.txt -j c:\seq2.txt -p blastp -o c:\output.txt. If the two compared sequences share homology (identity), then the designated output file will present those regions of homology as aligned sequences. If the two compared sequences do not share homology (identity), then the designated output file will not present aligned sequences. Similar procedures can be following for nucleic acid sequences except that blastn is used.

Once aligned, the number of matches is determined by counting the number of positions where an identical amino acid residue is presented in both sequences. The percent identity (homology) is determined by dividing the number of matches by the length of the full-length polypeptide amino acid sequence followed by multiplying the resulting value by 100. It is noted that the percent identity (homology) value is rounded to the nearest tenth. For example, 78.11, 78.12, 78.13, and 78.14 is rounded down to 78.1, while 78.15, 78.16, 78.17, 78.18, and 78.19 is rounded up to 78.2. It also is noted that the length value will always be an integer.

It will be appreciated that a number of nucleic acids can encode a polypeptide having a particular amino acid sequence. The degeneracy of the genetic code is well known to the art; i.e., for many amino acids, there is more than one nucleotide triplet that serves as the codon for the amino acid. For example, codons in the coding sequence for a given enzyme can be modified such that optimal expression in a particular species (e.g., bacteria or fungus) is obtained, using appropriate codon bias tables for that species.

Functional fragments of any of the enzymes described herein can also be used in the methods of the document. The term “functional fragment” as used herein refers to a 5 peptide fragment of a protein that has at least 25% (e.g., at least: 30%; 40%; 50%; 60%; 70%; 75%; 80%; 85%; 90%; 95%; 98%; 99%; 100%; or even greater than 100%) of the activity of the corresponding mature, full-length, wild-type protein. The functional fragment can generally, but not always, be comprised of a continuous region of the protein, wherein the region has functional activity.

This document also provides (i) functional variants of the enzymes used in the methods of the document and (ii) functional variants of the functional fragments described above. Functional variants of the enzymes and functional fragments can contain additions, deletions, or substitutions relative to the corresponding wild-type sequences. Enzymes with substitutions will generally have not more than 50 (e.g., not more than one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, 12, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, or 50) amino acid substitutions (e.g., conservative substitutions). This applies to any of the enzymes described herein and functional fragments. A conservative substitution is a substitution of one amino acid for another with similar characteristics. Conservative substitutions include substitutions within the following groups: valine, alanine and glycine; leucine, valine, and isoleucine; aspartic acid and glutamic acid; asparagine and glutamine; serine, cysteine, and threonine; lysine and arginine; and phenylalanine and tyrosine. The nonpolar hydrophobic amino acids include alanine, leucine, isoleucine, valine, proline, phenylalanine, tryptophan and methionine. The polar neutral amino acids include glycine, serine, threonine, cysteine, tyrosine, asparagine and glutamine. The positively charged (basic) amino acids include arginine, lysine and histidine. The negatively charged (acidic) amino acids include aspartic acid and glutamic acid. Any substitution of one member of the above-mentioned polar, basic or acidic groups by another member of the same group can be deemed a conservative substitution. By contrast, a nonconservative substitution is a substitution of one amino acid for another with dissimilar characteristics.

Deletion variants can lack one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 amino acid segments (of two or more amino acids) or non-contiguous single amino acids. Additions (addition variants) include fusion proteins containing: (a) any of the enzymes described herein or a fragment thereof; and (b) internal or terminal (C or N) irrelevant or heterologous amino acid sequences. In the context of such fusion proteins, the term “heterologous amino acid sequences” refers to an amino acid sequence other than (a). A heterologous sequence can be, for example a sequence used for purification of the recombinant protein (e.g., FLAG, polyhistidine (e.g., hexahistidine), hemagglutinin (HA), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), or maltose binding protein (MBP)). Heterologous sequences also can be proteins useful as detectable markers, for example, luciferase, green fluorescent protein (GFP), or chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT). In some embodiments, the fusion protein contains a signal sequence from another protein. In certain host cells (e.g., yeast host cells), expression and/or secretion of the target protein can be increased through use of a heterologous signal sequence. In some embodiments, the fusion protein can contain a carrier (e.g., KLH) useful, e.g., in eliciting an immune response for antibody generation) or ER or Golgi apparatus retention signals. Heterologous sequences can be of varying length and in some cases can be a longer sequences than the full-length target proteins to which the heterologous sequences are attached.

Engineered hosts can naturally express none or some (e.g., one or more, two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, or six or more) of the enzymes of the pathways described herein. Thus, a pathway within an engineered host can include all exogenous enzymes, or can include both endogenous and exogenous enzymes. Endogenous genes of the engineered hosts also can be disrupted to prevent the formation of undesirable metabolites or prevent the loss of intermediates in the pathway through other enzymes acting on such intermediates. Engineered hosts can be referred to as recombinant hosts or recombinant host cells. As described herein recombinant hosts can include nucleic acids encoding one or more of a β-ketothiolase, a secondary alcohol dehydrogenase, a dehydrogenase, a decarboxylase, a synthase, a reductase, a thioesterase, or a CoA transferase, as described herein.

In addition, the production of 1,3-BDO can be performed in vitro using the isolated enzymes described herein, using a lysate (e.g., a cell lysate) from a host microorganism as a source of the enzymes, or using a plurality of lysates from different host microorganisms as the source of the enzymes.

The reactions of the pathways described herein can be performed in one or more host strains (a) naturally expressing one or more relevant enzymes, (b) genetically engineered to express one or more relevant enzymes, or (c) naturally expressing one or more relevant enzymes and genetically engineered to express one or more relevant enzymes. Alternatively, relevant enzymes can be extracted from of the above types of host cells and used in a purified or semi-purified form. Moreover, such extracts include lysates (e.g. cell lysates) that can be used as sources of relevant enzymes. In the methods provided by the document, all the steps can be performed in host cells, all the steps can be performed using extracted enzymes, or some of the steps can be performed in cells and others can be performed using extracted enzymes.

Enzymes Generating 1,3-Butanediol

As shown in FIG. 1, a β-ketothiolase, a secondary alcohol dehydrogenase, a thioesterase, a CoA transferase, and a decarboxylase can be used to produce 1,3-BDO from 3-hydroxypropionyl-CoA.

In some embodiments, a β-ketothiolase may be classified under EC 2.3.1.16, such as the gene product of bktB or may be classified under EC 2.3.1.174, such as the gene product of paaJ. The β-ketothiolase encoded by bktB from Cupriavidus necator accepts acetyl-CoA and propanoyl-CoA as substrates, forming a CoA-activated aliphatic backbone (see, e.g., Haywood et al., FEMS Microbiology Letters, 1988, 52:91-96; Slater et al., J. Bacteriol., 1998, 180(8):1979-1987). Similarly, bktB from Cupriavidus necator accepts terminal hydroxylated substrates such as glycolate, forming a CoA-activated aliphatic backbone with terminal functionalization (Martin et al., Nat. Commun., 2013, 4, 1414). The β-ketothiolase encoded bypaaJ from Escherichia coli accepts succinyl-CoA and acetyl-CoA as substrates, forming a CoA-activated backbone with terminal functionalization (Nogales et al., Microbiology, 2007, 153, 357-365). Suitable β-ketothiolases can have at least 70% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1, SEQ ID NO:2, SEQ ID NO: 7 or SEQ ID NO: 13. See, FIG. 2.

In some embodiments, a thioesterase classified under EC 3.1.2.- or a CoA-transferase classified under, for example, EC 2.8.3.- (e.g., EC 2.8.3.6 or EC 2.8.3.8) such as the gene product of AtoAD or pcaIJ is used to hydrolyze the CoA moiety. For example, a suitable CoA-transferase can have at least 70% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 5 or SEQ ID NO: 6. See, FIG. 2.

The thioesterase can be the gene product of tesB (Cantu et al., Protein Science, 2010, 19, 1281-1295; Zhuang et al., Biochemistry, 2008, 47(9):2789-2796; Naggert et al., J. Biol. Chem., 1991, 266(17):11044-11050). The thioesterase can be the gene product of YciA (Zhuang et al., Biochemistry, 2008, 47, 2789-2796), which accepts 3-ketoacyl-CoA substrates such as acetoacetyl-CoA for hydrolysis. For example, a suitable thioesterase can have at least 70% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 3 or SEQ ID NO. 14. See, FIG. 2.

An acetoacetate decarboxylase classified, for example, under EC 4.1.1.4 can be used to remove the carboxy group from 3-oxo-5-hydroxypentanoate to produce 4-hydroxybutan-2-one. For example, a suitable acetoacetate decarboxylase can have at least 70% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 8 or SEQ ID NO: 10. This reaction also can occur spontaneously.

An alcohol dehydrogenase (e.g., a secondary alcohol dehydrogenase) classified, for example, under EC 1.1.1.- such as EC 1.1.1.B3, EC 1.1.1.B4, or EC 1.1.1.80 can be used to produce 1,3-butanediol from 4-hydroxybutan-2-one. For example, a suitable secondary alcohol dehydrogenase can have at least 70% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO: 9 or SEQ ID NO: 11. See, FIG. 2.

Pathway to 1,3-BDO

In some embodiments, 1,3-BDO is synthesized from the central metabolite, malonyl-CoA, by conversion of malonyl-CoA to malonate semialdehyde by a malonyl-CoA reductase classified, for example, under EC 1.2.1.75; followed by conversion of malonate semialdehyde to 3-hydroxypropionate by a 3-hydroxypropionate dehydrogenase classified, for example, under EC 1.1.1.59; followed by conversion of 3-hydroxypropionate to 3-hydroxypropionyl-CoA by a 3-hydroxypropionyl-CoA synthase classified, for example, under EC 6.2.1.36 or by a CoA-transferase classified, for example, under EC 2.8.3.- such as the gene product of YdiF (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 7), pct (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 12) or abJT (see Genbank Accession No. CAB60036.2, SEQ ID NO: 13); followed by conversion of 3-hydroxypropionyl-CoA to 3-oxo-5-hydroxypentanoyl-CoA using a β-ketothiolase classified, for example, under EC 2.3.1.16 or EC 2.3.1.174 such as the gene product of bktB or paaJ(e.g., SEQ ID NO: 1 or 2) or encoded by CAB60036.2 or CAB77207.1 (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 7 or 13); followed by conversion of 3-oxo-5-hydroxypentanoyl-CoA to 3-oxo-5-hydroxypentanoate by a CoA-transferase classified under, for example, EC 2.8.3.- such as the gene product of AtoAD from E. coli (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 5) or gene product of pcaIJ from Pseudomonas putida (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 6), or a thioesterase classified, for example, under EC 3.1.2.- such as the gene product of testB (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 3) or YciA (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 14); followed by conversion of 3-oxo-5-hydroxypentanoate to 4-hydroxybutan-2-one by an acetoacetate decarboxylase classified, for example, under EC 4.1.1.4 (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 8 or SEQ ID NO: 10); followed by conversion of 4-hydroxybutan-2-one to 1,3-BDO by a secondary alcohol dehydrogenase classified, for example, under EC 1.1.1.B3, EC 1.1.1.B4, or EC 1.1.1.80 (e.g., SEQ ID NO:4, SEQ ID NO: 9 or SEQ ID NO: 11). See FIG. 1.

Cultivation Strategy

In some embodiments 1,3-BDO is biosynthesized in a recombinant host using anaerobic, aerobic or micro-aerobic cultivation conditions. In some embodiments, the cultivation strategy entails nutrient limitation such as nitrogen, phosphate or oxygen limitation.

In some embodiments, a cell retention strategy using, for example, fiber membranes can be employed to achieve and maintain a high cell density during either fed-batch or continuous fermentation.

In some embodiments, the principal carbon source fed to the fermentation in the synthesis of 1,3-BDO can derive from biological or non-biological feedstocks.

In some embodiments, the biological feedstock can be or can derive from, monosaccharides, disaccharides, lignocellulose, hemicellulose, cellulose, lignin, levulinic acid and formic acid, triglycerides, glycerol, fatty acids, agricultural waste, condensed distillers' solubles, or municipal waste.

The efficient catabolism of crude glycerol stemming from the production of biodiesel has been demonstrated in several microorganisms such as Escherichia coli, Cupriavidus necator, Pseudomonas oleavorans, Pseudomonas putida and Yarrowia lipolytica (Lee et al., Appl. Biochem. Biotechnol., 2012, 166:1801-1813; Yang et al., Biotechnology for Biofuels, 2012, 5:13; Meijnen et al., Appl. Microbiol. Biotechnol., 2011, 90:885-893).

The efficient catabolism of lignocellulosic-derived levulinic acid has been demonstrated in several organisms such as Cupriavidus necator and Pseudomonas putida in the synthesis of 3-hydroxyvalerate via the precursor propanoyl-CoA (Jaremko and Yu, 2011, supra; Martin and Prather, J. Biotechnol., 2009, 139:61-67).

The efficient catabolism of lignin-derived aromatic compounds such as benzoate analogues has been demonstrated in several microorganisms such as Pseudomonas putida, Cupriavidus necator (Bugg et al., Current Opinion in Biotechnology, 2011, 22, 394-400; Pérez-Pantoja et al., FEMSMicrobiol. Rev., 2008, 32, 736-794).

The efficient utilization of agricultural waste, such as olive mill waste water has been demonstrated in several microorganisms, including Yarrowia lipolytica (Papanikolaou et al., Bioresour. Technol., 2008, 99(7):2419-2428).

The efficient utilization of fermentable sugars such as monosaccharides and disaccharides derived from cellulosic, hemicellulosic, cane and beet molasses, cassava, corn and other agricultural sources has been demonstrated for several microorganism such as Escherichia coli, Corynebacterium glutamicum and Lactobacillus delbrueckii and Lactococcus lactis (see, e.g., Hermann et al, J. Biotechnol., 2003, 104:155-172; Wee et al., Food Technol. Biotechnol., 2006, 44(2):163-172; Ohashi et al., J. Bioscience and Bioengineering, 1999, 87(5):647-654).

The efficient utilization of furfural, derived from a variety of agricultural lignocellulosic sources, has been demonstrated for Cupriavidus necator (Li et al., Biodegradation, 2011, 22:1215-1225).

In some embodiments, the non-biological feedstock can be or can derive from natural gas, syngas, CO₂/H₂, methanol, ethanol, benzoate, non-volatile residue (NVR) or a caustic wash waste stream from cyclohexane oxidation processes, or terephthalic acid/isophthalic acid mixture waste streams.

The efficient catabolism of methanol has been demonstrated for the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris.

The efficient catabolism of ethanol has been demonstrated for Clostridium kluyveri (Seedorf et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 2008, 105(6) 2128-2133).

The efficient catabolism of CO₂ and H₂, which may be derived from natural gas and other chemical and petrochemical sources, has been demonstrated for Cupriavidus necator (Prybylski et al., Energy, Sustainability and Society, 2012, 2:11).

The efficient catabolism of syngas has been demonstrated for numerous microorganisms, such as Clostridium ljungdahlii and Clostridium autoethanogenum (KSpke et al., Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 2011, 77(15):5467-5475).

The efficient catabolism of the non-volatile residue waste stream from cyclohexane processes has been demonstrated for numerous microorganisms, such as Delftia acidovorans and Cupriavidus necator (Ramsay et al., Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 1986, 52(1):152-156).

In some embodiments, the host microorganism is a prokaryote. For example, the prokaryote can be a bacterium from the genus Escherichia such as Escherichia coli; from the genus Clostridia such as Clostridium ljungdahlii, Clostridium autoethanogenum or Clostridium kluyveri; from the genus Corynebacteria such as Corynebacterium glutamicum; from the genus Cupriavidus such as Cupriavidus necator or Cupriavidus metallidurans; from the genus Pseudomonas such as Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pseudomonas putida or Pseudomonas oleavorans; from the genus Delftia such as Delftia acidovorans; from the genus Bacillus such as Bacillus subtillis; from the genus Lactobacillus such as Lactobacillus delbrueckii; or from the genus Lactococcus such as Lactococcus lactis. Such prokaryotes also can be a source of genes to construct recombinant host cells described herein that are capable of producing 1,3-BDO.

In some embodiments, the host microorganism is a eukaryote. For example, the eukaryote can be a filamentous fungus, e.g., one from the genus Aspergillus such as Aspergillus niger. Alternatively, the eukaryote can be a yeast, e.g., one from the genus Saccharomyces such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae; from the genus Pichia such as Pichia pastoris; or from the genus Yarrowia such as Yarrowia lipolytica; from the genus Issatchenkia such as Issathenkia orientalis; from the genus Debaryonyces such as Debaryomyces hansenii; from the genus Arxula such as Arxula adenoinivorans; or from the genus Khuyveromyces such as Kluyveromyces lactis. Such eukaryotes also can be a source of genes to construct recombinant host cells described herein that are capable of producing 1,3-BDO.

Metabolic Engineering

The present document provides methods involving less than all the steps described for all the above pathways. Such methods can involve, for example, one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve or more of such steps. Where less than all the steps are included in such a method, the first, and in some embodiments the only, step can be any one of the steps listed.

Furthermore, recombinant hosts described herein can include any combination of the above enzymes such that one or more of the steps, e.g., one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more of such steps, can be performed within a recombinant host. This document provides host cells of any of the genera and species listed and genetically engineered to express one or more (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, 10, 11, 12 or more) recombinant forms of any of the enzymes recited in the document. Thus, for example, the host cells can contain exogenous nucleic acids encoding enzymes catalyzing one or more of the steps of any of the pathways described herein.

In addition, this document recognizes that where enzymes have been described as accepting CoA-activated substrates, analogous enzyme activities associated with [acp]-bound substrates exist that are not necessarily in the same enzyme class.

Also, this document recognizes that where enzymes have been described accepting (R)-enantiomers of substrate, analogous enzyme activities associated with (S)-enantiomer substrates exist that are not necessarily in the same enzyme class.

This document also recognizes that where an enzyme is shown to accept a particular co-factor, such as NADPH, or co-substrate, such as acetyl-CoA, many enzymes are promiscuous in terms of accepting a number of different co-factors or co-substrates in catalyzing a particular enzyme activity. Also, this document recognizes that where enzymes have high specificity for e.g., a particular co-factor such as NADH, an enzyme with similar or identical activity that has high specificity for the co-factor NADPH may be in a different enzyme class.

In some embodiments, the enzymes in the pathways outlined herein are the result of enzyme engineering via non-direct or rational enzyme design approaches with aims of improving activity, improving specificity, reducing feedback inhibition, reducing repression, improving enzyme solubility, changing stereo-specificity, or changing co-factor specificity.

In some embodiments, the enzymes in the pathways outlined here can be gene dosed, i.e., overexpressed, into the resulting genetically modified organism via episomal or chromosomal integration approaches.

In some embodiments, genome-scale system biology techniques such as Flux Balance Analysis can be utilized to devise genome scale attenuation or knockout strategies for directing carbon flux to 1,3-BDO.

Attenuation strategies include, but are not limited to; the use of transposons, homologous recombination (double cross-over approach), mutagenesis, enzyme inhibitors and RNAi interference.

In some embodiments, fluxomic, metabolomic and transcriptomal data can be utilized to inform or support genome-scale system biology techniques, thereby devising genome scale attenuation or knockout strategies in directing carbon flux to 1,3-BDO.

In some embodiments, the host microorganism's tolerance to high concentrations of 1,3-BDO can be improved through continuous cultivation in a selective environment.

In some embodiments, the host microorganism's endogenous biochemical network can be attenuated or augmented to (1) ensure the intracellular availability of acetyl-CoA and malonyl-CoA, (2) create an NADH or NADPH imbalance that may only be balanced via the formation of 1,3-BDO, (3) prevent degradation of central metabolites, central precursors leading to and including one or more 1,3-BDO and/or (4) ensure efficient efflux from the cell.

In some embodiments requiring intracellular availability of acetyl-CoA, endogenous enzymes catalyzing the hydrolysis of acetyl-CoA such as short-chain length thioesterases can be attenuated in the host organism.

In some embodiments requiring the intracellular availability of acetyl-CoA, an endogenous phosphotransacetylase generating acetate such as pta can be attenuated (Shen et al., Appl. Environ. Microbiol., 2011, 77(9):2905-2915).

In some embodiments requiring the intracellular availability of acetyl-CoA, an endogenous gene in an acetate synthesis pathway encoding an acetate kinase, such as ack, can be attenuated.

In some embodiments requiring the intracellular availability of acetyl-CoA and NADH for 1,3-BDO synthesis, an endogenous gene encoding an enzyme that catalyzes the degradation of pyruvate to lactate such as lactate dehydrogenase encoded by IdhA can be attenuated (Shen et al., 2011, supra).

In some embodiments, enzymes that catalyze anapleurotic reactions such as PEP carboxylase and/or pyruvate carboxylase can be overexpressed in the host organism.

In some embodiments requiring the intracellular availability of acetyl-CoA and NADH for 1,3-BDO synthesis, endogenous genes encoding enzymes, such as menaquinol-fumarate oxidoreductase, that catalyze the degradation of phophoenolpyruvate to succinate such asfrdBC can be attenuated (see, e.g., Shen et al., 2011, supra).

In some embodiments requiring the intracellular availability of acetyl-CoA and NADH for 1,3-BDO synthesis, an endogenous gene encoding an enzyme that catalyzes the degradation of acetyl-CoA to ethanol such as the alcohol dehydrogenase encoded by adhE can be attenuated (Shen et al., 2011, supra).

In some embodiments requiring the intracellular availability of malonyl-CoA, acetyl-CoA carboxylase can be overexpressed in the host organism.

In some embodiments requiring the intracellular availability of malonyl-CoA, mnalonyl-CoA ACP transacylase can be attenuated or repressed in the host organism.

In some embodiments requiring the intracellular availability of malonyl-CoA, the regulator of β-oxidation encoded byfadR can be overexpressed in the host organism (Zhang et al., 2012, Metabolic Engineering, 14, 653-660).

In some embodiments, where pathways require excess NADH co-factor for 1,3-BDO synthesis, a recombinant formate dehydrogenase gene can be overexpressed in the host organism (Shen et al., 2011, supra).

In some embodiments, where pathways require excess NADH co-factor for 1,3-BDO synthesis, a recombinant NADH-consuming transhydrogenase can be attenuated.

In some embodiments, an endogenous gene encoding an enzyme that catalyzes the degradation of pyruvate to ethanol such as pyruvate decarboxylase can be attenuated.

In some embodiments requiring the intracellular availability of acetyl-CoA for 1,3-BDO synthesis, a recombinant acetyl-CoA synthetase such as the gene product of acs can be overexpressed in the microorganism (Satoh et al., J. Bioscience and Bioengineering, 2003, 95(4):335-341).

In some embodiments, carbon flux can be directed into the pentose phosphate cycle to increase the supply of NADPH by attenuating an endogenous glucose-6-phosphate isomnerase (EC 5.3.1.9).

In some embodiments, carbon flux can be redirected into the pentose phosphate cycle to increase the supply of NADPH by overexpression a 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase and/or a transketolase (Lee et al., 2003, Biotechnology Progress, 19(5), 1444-1449).

In some embodiments, where pathways require excess NADPH co-factor in the synthesis of 1,3-BDO, a gene such as UdhA encoding apuridine nucleotide transhydrogenase can be overexpressed in the host organisms (Brigham et al., Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts, 2012, Chapter 39, 1065-1090).

In some embodiments, where pathways require excess NADPH co-factor in the synthesis of 1,3-BDO, a recombinant glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate-dehydrogenase gene such as GapN can be overexpressed in the host organisms (Brigham et al., 2012, supra).

In some embodiments, where pathways require excess NADPH co-factor in the synthesis of 1,3-BDO, a recombinant malic enzyme gene such as maeA or maeB can be overexpressed in the host organisms (Brigham et al., 2012, supra).

In some embodiments, where pathways require excess NADPH co-factor in the synthesis of 1,3-BDO, a recombinant glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase gene such as zwf can be overexpressed in the host organisms (Lim et al., J. Bioscience and Bioengineering, 2002, 93(6), 543-549).

In some embodiments, where pathways require excess NADPH co-factor in the synthesis of 1,3-BDO, a recombinant fructose 1,6 diphosphatase gene such asfbp can be overexpressed in the host organisms (Becker et al., J. Biotechnol., 2007, 132:99-109).

In some embodiments, where pathways require excess NADPH co-factor in the synthesis of 1,3-BDO, endogenous triose phosphate isomerase (EC 5.3.1.1) can be attenuated.

In some embodiments, where pathways require excess NADPH co-factor in the synthesis of 1,3-BDO, a recombinant glucose dehydrogenase such as the gene product of gdh can be overexpressed in the host organism (Satoh et al., J. Bioscience and Bioengineering, 2003, 95(4):335-341).

In some embodiments, endogenous enzymes facilitating the conversion of NADPH to NADH can be attenuated, such as the NADH generation cycle that may be generated via inter-conversion of glutamate dehydrogenases classified under EC 1.4.1.2 (NADH-specific) and EC 1.4.1.4 (NADPH-specific).

In some embodiments, an endogenous glutamate dehydrogenase (EC 1.4.1.3) that utilizes both NADH and NADPH as co-factors can be attenuated.

In some embodiments, the β-ketothiolase condensing 3-hydroxypropionyl-CoA and acetyl-CoA to 3-oxo-5-hydroxypentanoyl-CoA is enzyme engineered to be selective for the condensation of 3-hydroxpropionyl-CoA and acetyl-CoA.

In some embodiments using hosts that naturally accumulate polyhydroxyalkanoates, the endogenous polymer synthase enzymes can be attenuated in the host strain.

In some embodiments, the efflux of 1,3-BDO across the cell membrane to the extracellular media can be enhanced or amplified by genetically engineering structural modifications to the cell membrane or increasing any associated transporter activity for 1,3-BDO.

Producing 1,3-BDO Using a Recombinant Host

Typically, 1,3-BDO can be produced by providing a host microorganism and culturing the provided microorganism with a culture medium containing a suitable carbon source as described above. In general, the culture media and/or culture conditions can be such that the microorganisms grow to an adequate density and produce 1,3-BDO efficiently. For large-scale production processes, any method can be used such as those described elsewhere (Manual of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology, 2^(nd) Edition, Editors: A. L. Demain and J. E. Davies, ASM Press; and Principles of Fermentation Technology, P. F. Stanbury and A. Whitaker, Pergamon). Briefly, a large tank (e.g., a 100 gallon, 200 gallon, 500 gallon, or more tank) containing an appropriate culture medium is inoculated with a particular microorganism. After inoculation, the microorganism is incubated to allow biomass to be produced. Once a desired biomass is reached, the broth containing the microorganisms can be transferred to a second tank. This second tank can be any size. For example, the second tank can be larger, smaller, or the same size as the first tank. Typically, the second tank is larger than the first such that additional culture medium can be added to the broth from the first tank. In addition, the culture medium within this second tank can be the same as, or different from, that used in the first tank.

Once transferred, the microorganisms can be incubated to allow for the production of 1,3-BDO. Once produced, any method can be used to isolate 1,3-BDO. For example, 1,3-BDO can be recovered selectively from the fermentation broth via adsorption processes or by distillation to achieve the desired product purity.

Other Embodiments

It is to be understood that while the invention has been described in conjunction with the detailed description thereof, the foregoing description is intended to illustrate and not limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Other aspects, advantages, and modifications are within the scope of the following claims. 

1: A method of producing 3-oxo-5-hydroxypentanoyl-CoA, said method comprising enzymatically converting 3-hydroxypropionyl-CoA to 3-oxo-5-hydroxypentanoyl-CoA using a polypeptide having β-ketothiolase activity classified under EC. 2.3.1.-. 2: The method of claim 1, wherein said polypeptide having β-ketothiolase activity is classified under EC 2.3.1.16 or EC 2.3.1.174 and/or has at least 70% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, 7 or
 13. 3-4. (canceled) 5: The method of claim 1, further comprising enzymatically converting 3-oxo-5-hydroxypentanoyl-CoA to 1,3-butanediol using a thioesterase or a CoA transferase, a decarboxylase, and a secondary alcohol dehydrogenase. 6: The method of claim 5, wherein said thioesterase is classified under EC 3.1.2.- and/or has at least 70% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 3 or
 14. 7. (canceled) 8: The method of claim 5, wherein said CoA transferase is classified under EC 2.8.3.-, said decarboxylase is classified under EC 4.1.1.4, and said secondary alcohol dehydrogenase is classified under EC 1.1.1.B3, EC 1.1.1.B4, or EC 1.1.1.80. 9: The method of claim 8, wherein said CoA transferase has at least 70% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 5 or 6, said decarboxylase has at least 70% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 8 or 10, and said secondary alcohol dehydrogenase has at least 70% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 4, 9, or
 11. 10-13. (canceled) 14: A method for biosynthesizing 1,3-butanediol, said method comprising enzymatically synthesizing 3-oxo-5-hydroxypentanoyl-CoA from 3-hydroxypropionyl-CoA using a polypeptide having β-ketothiolase activity classified under EC. 2.3.1.- and enzymatically converting 3-oxo-5-hydroxypentanoyl-CoA to 1,3-butanediol. 15: The method of claim 14, wherein said β-ketothiolase has at least 70% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs:1, 2, 7 or
 13. 16: The method of claim 14, wherein 3-oxo-5-hydroxypentanoyl-CoA is converted to 3-oxo-5-hydroxypentanoate using a CoA transferase or a thioesterase, 3-oxo-5-hydroxypentanoate is converted to 4-hydroxybutan-2-one using a decarboxylase, and 4-hydroxybutan-2-one is converted to 1,3-butanediol using a secondary alcohol dehydrogenase. 17: The method of claim 16, wherein said thioesterase has at least 70% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 3 or 14, said secondary alcohol dehydrogenase has at least 70% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:4, 9, or 11, said decarboxylase has at least 70% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 8 or 10 and/or said CoA transferase has at least 70% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 5 or
 6. 18-20. (canceled) 21: The method of claim 1, wherein said 3-hydroxypropionyl-CoA is enzymatically produced from malonyl-CoA. 22: The method of claim 21, wherein 3-hydroxypropionyl-CoA is enzymatically produced from malonyl-CoA using one or more of a malonyl-CoA reductase, a 3-hydroxypropionate dehydrogenase, a CoA transferase, and a 3-hydroxypropionyl-CoA synthase. 23: The method of claim 22, wherein said CoA transferase has at least 70% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 7, 12 or
 13. 24: The method of claim 1, wherein said method is performed in a recombinant host. 25: The method of claim 24, wherein said host is subjected to a cultivation strategy under aerobic, anaerobic or, micro-aerobic cultivation conditions, said host is cultured under conditions of nutrient limitation, said host is retained using a ceramic membrane and/or a principal carbon source fed to the fermentation derives from a biological or non-biological feedstock. 26-28. (canceled) 29: The method of claim 25, wherein the biological feedstock is, or derives from, monosaccharides, disaccharides, lignocellulose, hemicellulose, cellulose, lignin, levulinic acid, formic acid, triglycerides, glycerol, fatty acids, agricultural waste, condensed distillers' solubles, or municipal waste or the non-biological feedstock is, or derives from, natural gas, syngas, CO₂/H₂, methanol, ethanol, benzoate, non-volatile residue (NVR) caustic wash waste stream from cyclohexane oxidation processes, or terephthalic acid/isophthalic acid mixture waste streams. 30-32. (canceled) 33: The method of claim 24, wherein said host is a prokaryote from a genus selected from the group consisting of Escherichia; Clostridia; Corynebacteria; Cupriavidus; Pseudomonas; Delfiia; Bacillus; Lactobacillus; Lactococcus; and Rhodococcus or a eukaryote from a genus selected from the group consisting of Aspergillus, Saccharomyces, Pichia, Yarrowia, Issatchenkia, Debaryomyces, Arxula, and Kluyveromyces. 34-38. (canceled) 39: The method of claim 24, wherein said host comprises an attenuation to one or more of the following enzymes: polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase, an acetyl-CoA thioesterase, a phosphotransacetylase forming acetate, an acetate kinase, a lactate dehydrogenase, a menaquinol-fumarate oxidoreductase, an alcohol dehydrogenase forming ethanol, a triose phosphate isomerase, a pyruvate decarboxylase, a glucose-6-phosphate isomerase, NAD(P)H-consuming transhydrogenase, an NAD(P)H-specific glutamate dehydrogenase, and a NADH/NADPH-utilizing glutamate dehydrogenase. 40: The method of claim 24, wherein said host overexpresses one or more genes encoding: an acetyl-CoA synthetase, a 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase; a transketolase; a puridine nucleotide transhydrogenase; a glyceraldehyde-3P-dehydrogenase; a malic enzyme; a glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase; a glucose dehydrogenase; a fructose 1,6 diphosphatase; and a formate dehydrogenase. 41: A recombinant host comprising at least one exogenous nucleic acid encoding (i) a β-ketothiolase, (ii) a secondary alcohol dehydrogenase and one or more of (iii) a decarboxylase, and (iv) a thioesterase or a CoA transferase, said host producing 1,3-butanediol. 42-53. (canceled) 